The land of beaches, unique beauty, education, and top choices by individuals for permanent residency in Australia, the country offers diverse options to work and live. As a rule, visa requirements must be fulfilled to get entry. With many options available, Subclass 491- regional visa and Subclass 190- state nomination visas are ideal choices for job-oriented workers who want PR in Australia. But, how to choose among these two despite offering exciting opportunities? Let’s dive deeper into this article together to understand the difference between the 190 visa Australia and the 491 visa with which is the best PR option, and other details.
What Is Meant By Visa Subclass 190 (State Nomination)?
Skilled nominated visa subclass 190 is known as the fixed residency visa that allows international students to live or work permanently in the state of Australia or its territory. You are authorised as a PR candidate immediately after the 190 visa is granted.
To get this visa, you need a nominee from Australia itself. Also, you have to submit an EOI or pass the point requirements for entry. For a PR signature, you should have worked or lived for at least 2 years before.
What Is Meant By Visa Subclass 491 (Regional)?
Like 190 visas are for international students for permanent residency, the provisional Visa Subclass 491 is another subclass visa that allows temporary residency to live or work in Australia. After getting this visa, you are eligible to apply for 190 visas and the opportunity to settle here permanently.
This visa is valid for 5 years and requires sponsorship or nomination from the regional or state of Australia. Also, it requires you to live for at least 3 years to live, work, or study for the pathway to PR. To get this visa, you need a minimum point score in some cases or be on an occupation list.
Also Read: How to Meet the 491 Visa Requirements for Skilled Migration?
Eligibility Criteria for the 190 Visa and the 491 Visa
190 Visa Subclass
- Age must be 45 years old at the time of invitation
- Occupation must be as per the Skilled Occupation List
- Positive skilled assessment from a reputable authority
- Must score at least 65+ score in English
- Meet the health and character certificate
Regional Visa 491
- Same, for skilled work regional Visa 491, age must be 45 years old at the time of applying
- Passed a positive skilled assessment in the regional area
- Lower points with strong bonds in regional areas
- Sponsorship from the state or regional government
- Regional commitment to live, work, or study in a designated regional area
- Require medical and character certificates at the time of applying
Also Read: Confused Between Visa 189 & 190? Read This First!
Comparison Between 491 Visa and Subclass 190 Visa: Which One Is Best?
The choice between Subclass 190 and Subclass 491 depends on your individual circumstances, preferences, and long-term goals. Let’s see the comparison below that will help you make the right decisions.
| Aspects | Visa 190 ( State Nomination) | Visa subclass 491 ( Regional Visa) |
| Visa type | Known as a permanent residency visa | Known as a provisional visa (pathway to permanent residency) |
| Pathway to PR | Allow an easy pathway to permanent residency | Allow PR pathway after 3 years |
| Regional Commitment | Requires no regional restrictions | Requires living and working in designated regional areas | |
| Points Allocation | Need 5 points for a state nomination visa | Require 15 points for state nomination or family sponsorship |
| Eligibility | Requires state nomination authority | Need state nomination or family sponsorship of a region |
| Work and Live | Yes, you can work and live anywhere in Australia | Allowed to live and work in designated regional areas |
| Apply | Easy application by meeting basic requirements like age, points core, health & character certificates | It may be complicated for the PR pathway due to the restriction of 3 years of work or living in Australia |
Wrap Up- Consult The Best Migration Agent Perth To Simplify the Visa Process
Applying for a subclass 491 visa and a 190 visa can be overwhelming, as both offer diverse opportunities but align differently with goals. So, you need to consult the right Migration Agent who can simplify the visa process and give straight decisions on which is the best choice for PR. Reach out now and open a pathway for permanent residency in Australia.
